History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!

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Here in Ohio, to get collector plates the car needs to be found in the NADA Guide (www.nadaguides.com) as a collector car.

Anyways, it looks like the only models of the 1987 Camaro that appear in the collector cars list are the convertible models. My friend that has an 88 IROC-Z was able to get his collector plates because his is in there.

Does anyone know why they wouldn't consider an 87 IROC as a collector vehicle? I tried e-mailing them and asking, but no response of course.

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post. Wasn't sure where else to post it

Here in Ohio, to get collector plates the car needs to be found in the NADA Guide (www.nadaguides.com) as a collector car.

Anyways, it looks like the only models of the 1987 Camaro that appear in the collector cars list are the convertible models. My friend that has an 88 IROC-Z was able to get his collector plates because his is in there.

Does anyone know why they wouldn't consider an 87 IROC as a collector vehicle? I tried e-mailing them and asking, but no response of course.

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post. Wasn't sure where else to post it

I know that in florida your car has to be at least 25 or 30 years old to be considered a collectable.I tried to get a collector plate as well. not sure about ur laws in ohio.

The NADA guide lists the 86 and 88 coupe IROC-Z but not the 87. It's not that the car isn't collectible, they just don't list it. I will contact them with reasons why the car is more collectible than the 88 or 86. We'll see what happens with that.

The NADA guide lists the 86 and 88 coupe IROC-Z but not the 87. It's not that the car isn't collectible, they just don't list it. I will contact them with reasons why the car is more collectible than the 88 or 86. We'll see what happens with that.

I hope you have more luck than me! Thanks for the reply and let me know if you hear anything back. Skipping the dreaded E-check in my county would be great. I could then not worry about putting a carbed bbc in my babe

Collector/Classic plates are designed to be used on collector or classic vehicles. Age alone does not constitute this. If you are looking to just avoid emissions testing on a daily driver, you will find that this is not the best route. I believe all states have guidelines for the use of collector/classic plates. A daily driver is not one of those uses. Also, the big block, carbed motor needs to run clean. It's only the responsible way to build a motor.

Collector/Classic plates are designed to be used on collector or classic vehicles. Age alone does not constitute this. If you are looking to just avoid emissions testing on a daily driver, you will find that this is not the best route. I believe all states have guidelines for the use of collector/classic plates. A daily driver is not one of those uses. Also, the big block, carbed motor needs to run clean. It's only the responsible way to build a motor.

I know this. That is why my camaro is in the garage and my Tahoe is the daily driver. Don't think of my intentions as trying to escape emissions testing because I think my car won't pass it. I simply hate having to get the E-check every two years. I am not sure if you are familiar with the Ohio E-check, but they don't like carbed motors in cars that were originally fuel injected, or any other kind of major modification such as an engine swap or even exhaust, even it is is running clean. If they look under the hood and the car is obviously not as is from factory, they can fail you.

I know this. That is why my camaro is in the garage and my Tahoe is the daily driver. Don't think of my intentions as trying to escape emissions testing because I think my car won't pass it. I simply hate having to get the E-check every two years. I am not sure if you are familiar with the Ohio E-check, but they don't like carbed motors in cars that were originally fuel injected, or any other kind of major modification such as an engine swap or even exhaust, even it is is running clean. If they look under the hood and the car is obviously not as is from factory, they can fail you.

Is an E-check something you have to set up yourself, or do they contact you? I live in Ohio and I've had my '92 Z28 for 3 years and have yet to do an E-check.

If you are in one of these counties, the BMV will require you to have an E-check every two years if your vehicle is less than 25 years old. Odd year cars are tested in odd years, even year cars in even years.

...I am not sure if you are familiar with the Ohio E-check, but they don't like carbed motors in cars that were originally fuel injected, or any other kind of major modification such as an engine swap or even exhaust, even it is is running clean. If they look under the hood and the car is obviously not as is from factory, they can fail you.

It's funny because 88 was the first year that none of the camaros had a carb option, and I totally have passed echeck with a 10:1 stroker running a 236/242 .520/.540 cam. Passed CLEANER than the factory EFI (by far). I have never actually seen those guys look under a hood, and in fact one time I had a plug wire catch fire and I had to pop the hood and blast it with an extinguisher...they didn't even bat an eye at the motor :-) They don't get paid enough to care I think.

Collector/Classic plates are designed to be used on collector or classic vehicles. Age alone does not constitute this. If you are looking to just avoid emissions testing on a daily driver, you will find that this is not the best route. I believe all states have guidelines for the use of collector/classic plates. A daily driver is not one of those uses. Also, the big block, carbed motor needs to run clean. It's only the responsible way to build a motor.

In Ohio you cannot get a collectors plate for a daily driver. You actually have to have proof that you own a separate car, with insurance, or you cannot get the plate. Also I would love to know what criteria are used to choose which years/models make the list. All I know is that happened to work out in my favor

Last edited by IROC_385Z; 07-03-2009 at 05:53 PM.
Reason: im a dolt who fails at reading

The criteria that you mention is in reference to the NADA guide? If so, I believe there is just an oversite. They were contacted years ago by somebody here regarding convertibles and they adjusted it. I sent them a good deal of information to prove the 87 as more than worthy of being a true collectible, even moreso than most other 3rd gens. The 87 year was full of firsts and lasts. The 1st year for leather, 350, Bose, option packages, etc. The last year for Norwood and multiple models in the Camaro lineup. It appears that for some reason, the 87s are in more demand than other years. Not sure why, but it seems to be my preference for a 350 model as I'm not too keen on the 88-90 rims.

The criteria that you mention is in reference to the NADA guide? If so, I believe there is just an oversite. They were contacted years ago by somebody here regarding convertibles and they adjusted it. I sent them a good deal of information to prove the 87 as more than worthy of being a true collectible, even moreso than most other 3rd gens. The 87 year was full of firsts and lasts. The 1st year for leather, 350, Bose, option packages, etc. The last year for Norwood and multiple models in the Camaro lineup. It appears that for some reason, the 87s are in more demand than other years. Not sure why, but it seems to be my preference for a 350 model as I'm not too keen on the 88-90 rims.

If you are in one of these counties, the BMV will require you to have an E-check every two years if your vehicle is less than 25 years old. Odd year cars are tested in odd years, even year cars in even years.

I'm not located in those counties, but I did purchase it from somebody in Medina. I imagine it's been tested.

In Illinois the Car has to be 25 yrs old to get antique or classic lic. My 85 needs one more year.
You are supposed to drive it only to shows, cruises, and for sevice. Some push the rules a lot more. Some people have been nailed by the police when cought using the car as a daily driver. They are real cheap here. As for as smog, 95 and below don't get tested.

In Ohio any car 25 years or older you can get Historical plates (last check only 26 bucks) But the plates are cheap cause you can only drive on Sundays or for car shows is the Law.... I see many In the Toledo area breaking the law and driving during the week with theese plates.... The cops here in Toledo don't care...... Collecter plates must be different than Historical?

In Ohio any car 25 years or older you can get Historical plates (last check only 26 bucks) But the plates are cheap cause you can only drive on Sundays or for car shows is the Law.... I see many In the Toledo area breaking the law and driving during the week with theese plates.... The cops here in Toledo don't care...... Collecter plates must be different than Historical?

The criteria that you mention is in reference to the NADA guide? If so, I believe there is just an oversite. They were contacted years ago by somebody here regarding convertibles and they adjusted it. I sent them a good deal of information to prove the 87 as more than worthy of being a true collectible, even moreso than most other 3rd gens. The 87 year was full of firsts and lasts. The 1st year for leather, 350, Bose, option packages, etc. The last year for Norwood and multiple models in the Camaro lineup. It appears that for some reason, the 87s are in more demand than other years. Not sure why, but it seems to be my preference for a 350 model as I'm not too keen on the 88-90 rims.

In Ohio any car 25 years or older you can get Historical plates (last check only 26 bucks) But the plates are cheap cause you can only drive on Sundays or for car shows is the Law.... I see many In the Toledo area breaking the law and driving during the week with theese plates.... The cops here in Toledo don't care...... Collecter plates must be different than Historical?

I never heard of NADA having a guideline for getting historical or collector plates on a vehicle. I live in Toledo also, and I just got historical plates for my 82 TA last year. All the requirements are is that the car is 25 years old. Nobody did any kind of check, other than me bringing in the title. Nobody did a check as far as having another vehicle either for a daily driver. Of course I don't drive this car daily anyway. I too have seen people driving with historical plates here...cops don't care. I've been wanting to get year specific plates but they have to have the tag from the plate year. Ohio plates looked the same from like 81-84. I think mine has a 83 or 84 tag and they told me I couldn't use it. go figure

I never heard of NADA having a guideline for getting historical or collector plates on a vehicle. I live in Toledo also, and I just got historical plates for my 82 TA last year. All the requirements are is that the car is 25 years old. Nobody did any kind of check, other than me bringing in the title. Nobody did a check as far as having another vehicle either for a daily driver. Of course I don't drive this car daily anyway. I too have seen people driving with historical plates here...cops don't care. I've been wanting to get year specific plates but they have to have the tag from the plate year. Ohio plates looked the same from like 81-84. I think mine has a 83 or 84 tag and they told me I couldn't use it. go figure

It isn't a NADA guideline, it is an Ohio BMV guideline (for collector plates). As you said, Historical plates are for cars 25 years or older. If you look at my link in an above post, you will see what is required to get a collector plate. Also, living in Cleveland, some of the suburb cops are pretty strict. I got pulled over for my front window tint being ~10% darker than what is allowed by law. Even you know I bought my truck from the dealer like that and explained it to him, I had to pay $50 for it. After getting so many speeding tickets and whatnot in the past, I don't need any more trouble with the law. Plus my car isn't 25 years old, yet

In Ohio any car 25 years or older you can get Historical plates (last check only 26 bucks) But the plates are cheap cause you can only drive on Sundays or for car shows is the Law.... I see many In the Toledo area breaking the law and driving during the week with theese plates.... The cops here in Toledo don't care...... Collecter plates must be different than Historical?

Here in Wisconsin the age is 20 years old. Cost is $90 one time and the car is registered for life. Really a good deal. On my two cars I've saved about a grand so far. There are some rules, mainly that you have another vehicle registered in your name. Also the car can't be driven in january. The only drawback is that the plate is ugly! Blue background with red letters. Doesen't look good on any car. One other thing, once you have your collector number, you can get a regular tag for all your other vehicles with that number on it. I have 4 vehicles registered and they all have the same tag# except for the last letter. Example 5555A: 5555B : 5555C. It lets others know that even though you are in your daily driver, there is something home in the garage that might be special.

The only drawback is that the plate is ugly! Blue background with red letters. Doesen't look good on any car. One other thing, once you have your collector number, you can get a regular tag for all your other vehicles with that number on it.

should have gone the 'hobbyist' plate route. same rules as collector plates but you can modify the crap out of your car, like, a ridiculous amount even, and still drive it on the road.

and the fees for collector and hobbyist in wisconsin are now $200, one-time fee. the rule about having to own another car in your name is bogus. i work for a dealership and drive a demo as my daily driver. why should i have to OWN my daily driver? i sold my reliable buick after buying the camaro and put my name on with my dad on his 93 GMC pickup that he bought.

In Michigan, we have "Historical" Plates which have to be renewed every 10 years or so. IT is kind of neat in its own way. The cars are to be driven primarily for car shows, cruises, to get work done on it, whatever. The cost is $35 for 10 years.

The other plate is "Authentic Plates" Which is really neat as you have to FIND your plates to use, they have to be original MI plates and unused. They have to be from the same year as your car, so if you have a 1967 you need to find original plates from 1967. I found some original '67 plates for $30, and then plates you pay MI a one time $30 IIRC, and they are assigned to the car FOREVER, or until you sell the car, whichever comes first. The down side is you have to get BOTH plates, you do not need to put both on your car, but if there was two plates issued for a given year, you have to get BOTH in order to use them. I think I had to go to the Secretary Of State (MI version of DMV) and show them my plates...

for a collector or hobbyist plate in wisconsin it is illegal to drive such a plated vehicel during the month of january, the vehicle must be 20 years old or older, the owner must have a second regularly plated vehicle as a driver. to qualify as a collector plated vehicle the vehicle must be unmodified. hobbyist plated vehicles the rules above apply except they can be modified. one emission test prior to recieving collector/hobbyist plates must be obtained.
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Wisconsin requires emissions inspections for cars and trucks that:

are powered by gasoline or alternative fuels (but not diesel fuel); and

are model year 1996 or newer; and

have a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 8,501 pounds; and

are customarily kept in one of the following seven southeastern Wisconsin counties:

Kenosha

Milwaukee

Ozaukee

Racine

Sheboygan

Washington

Waukesha

Effective January 1, 2010, the inspection requirements are expanding to include model year 2007 and newer vehicles that:

are powered by diesel fuel; and/or

have a GVWR between 8,501 pounds and 14,000 pounds

Motorcycles and dedicated farm vehicles are exempt from inspection, and will remain so after January
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the only good thing about living in the people's republic of wisconsin is the old car regs.

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